Designation: D 178 – 01e1
Standard Specification for
Rubber Insulating Matting1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 178; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
e1 NOTE—A precision and bias statement was added editorially in May 2004.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers acceptance testing of rubber
insulating matting for use as a floor covering for protection of
workers.
1.2 Two types of matting, differing in chemical and physical
characteristics, are provided and are designated as Type I and
Type II matting.
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat applies only to the
test method portion, Sections 17 to 19, of this specification:
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—Rubber insulating matting should remain flexible for use
through normal temperature ranges.
NOTE 2—Rubber as used in this specification is a generic term that
includes elastomers and elastomer compounds, regardless of origin.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
at Commercial Power Frequencies 2
D 297 Test Methods for Rubber Products—Chemical
Analysis 3
D 412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermo-
plastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension 3
D 471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liq-
uids 3
D 518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
Cracking 3
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F18.25 on Insulating Cover-Up Equipment. This standard replaces
ANSI Standard J 6.7, which is no longer available.
Current edition approved March 10, 2001. Published May 2001. Originally
published as D178 – 23 T. Last previous edition D178 – 93 (1998).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
D 570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics 4
D 573 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration in an Air
Oven 3
D 1692 Test Method for Rate of Burning or Extent and
Time of Burning of Cellular Plastics Using a Specimen
Supported by a Horizontal Screen 5
2.2 American National Standard:6
ANSI C84.1 Voltage Ratings for Electric Power Systems
and Equipment (60 Hz)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 user, n—as used in 4.3.1, the entity employing the
actual worker(s) utilizing the equipment; if no separate em-
ployer, then the individual.
3.1.2 voltage, maximum retest, n—voltage, either ac rms or
dc avg, which is equal to the proof-test voltage for new
protective equipment.
3.1.3 voltage, retest, n—voltage, either ac rms or dc avg,
that used protective equipment must be capable of withstand-
ing for a specified test period without breakdown.
3.1.4 voltage, nominal design, n—a nominal value consis-
tent with the latest revision of ANSI C84.1, assigned to the
circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating
its voltage class.
3.1.5 voltage, maximum use, n—the ac voltage (rms) clas-
sification of the protective equipment that designates the
maximum nominal design voltage of the energized system that
may be safely worked. The nominal design voltage is equal to
phase-to-phase voltage on multiphase circuits.
3.1.5.1 If there is no multiphase exposure in a system area,
and the voltage exposure is limited to phase (polarity on dc
systems) to ground potential, the phase (polarity on dc sys-
tems) to ground potential shall be considered to be the nominal
design voltage.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
5
Discontinued January 1978; see the 1977 Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Part 36.
6
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street,
13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
 D 178 – 01e1
3.1.5.2 If electrical equipment and devices are insulated, or 5.1.2.1 A—Ozone resistance
isolated, or both, such that the multiphase exposure on a 5.1.2.2 B—Flame resistance
grounded wye circuit is removed, then the nominal design 5.1.2.3 C—Oil resistance
voltage may be considered as the phase-to-ground voltage on 5.1.3 The class designation shall be based on the electrical
that circuit. properties as shown in Table 2.
4. Significance and Use
6. Ordering Information
4.1 This specification covers the minimum electrical,
chemical, and physical properties guaranteed by the manufac- 6.1 Orders for matting under this specification should in-
turer and the detailed procedures by which such properties are clude the following information:
to be determined. The purchaser may at his option perform or 6.1.1 Type,
have performed any of these tests in order to verify the 6.1.2 Class,
guarantee. Claims for failure to meet the specification are 6.1.3 Thickness,
subject to verification by the manufacturer. 6.1.4 Width,
4.2 Rubber insulating matting is used for personal protec- 6.1.5 Length, and
tion; therefore when authorizing its use a margin of safety 6.1.6 Color.
should be allowed between the maximum voltage at which it is 6.2 The listing of types, classes, thicknesses, widths,
used and the proof-test voltage at which it is tested. The lengths, and colors is not intended to mean that all shall
relationship between proof-test and the maximum voltage at necessarily be available from manufacturers; it signifies only
which matting shall be used is shown in Table 1. that, if made, they shall conform to the details of this
4.3 Work practices vary from user to user, depending upon specification.
many factors. These may include, but are not limited to,
operating system voltages, construction design, work proce- 7. Manufacture and Marking
dures and techniques, weather conditions etc. Therefore, ex-
7.1 The matting shall consist of a rubber compound with a
cept for the restrictions set forth in this specification because of
smooth, corrugated, or diamond design on one surface and may
design limitations, the use and maintenance of this equipment
be backed with fabric, or may have one or more fabric inserts.
is beyond the scope of this specification
The back of the matting may be finished with cloth imprint or
4.3.1 It is common practice and the responsibility of the user
other slip-resistant material. Any such fabric insert shall not
of this type of protective equipment to prepare complete
affect adversely the dielectric characteristics of the matting.
instructions and regulations to govern the correct and safe use
of such equipment. 7.2 Each piece of matting shall be marked clearly and
permanently at a maximum interval of 1 m (3 ft) with the name
5. Classification of the manufacturer or supplier, ASTM D178, type, and class.
5.1 Matting covered under this specification shall be desig-
nated as Type I or Type II; Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, 8. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
or Class 4. 8.1 Width—Standard widths shall be 610 6 13 mm (24.0 6
5.1.1 Type I, made of any elastomer or combination of 0.5 in.), 760 6 13 mm (30.0 6 0.5 in.), 914 6 25 mm (36 6
elastomer compounds, properly vulcanized. 1 in.) and 12206 25 mm (48 6 1 in.).
5.1.2 Type II, made of any elastomer or combination of 8.2 Thickness—The thickness of the matting shall be as
elastomeric compounds with one or more of the following specified in Table 3. Measurements shall be made over the
special properties: corrugations or diamonds. The corrugations shall be not more
than 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) deep. The diamonds shall not be higher
TABLE 1 Proof Test/Use Voltage Relationship than 1.6 mm (0.062 in.).
NOTE 1—The ac voltage (rms) classification of the protective equip-
ment designates the maximum nominal design voltage of the energized 9. Workmanship and Finish
system that may be safely worked. The nominal design voltage is equal to: 9.1 The matting shall be free of harmful physical irregulari-
a. The phase to phase on multiphase circuits or ties, which can be detected by thorough test or inspection.
b. The phase to ground voltage on single phase grounded circuits.
9.1.1 Nonharmful Irregularities—Surface irregularities may
Nominal Maximum
Class of Insulat- Use Voltage A AC Proof-Test Volt- DC Proof-Test Volt-
be present on all rubber matting due to imperfections in molds
ing Matting Phase-Phase age, rms V age, avg, V and inherent difficulties in the manufacturing processes. These
ac rms, max irregularities may appear as indentations, protuberances, or
0 1 000 5 000 20 000 imbedded foreign material that are acceptable provided that:
1 7 500 10 000 40 000
2 17 000 20 000 50 000
9.1.1.1 The indentation or protuberance tends to blend into
3 26 500 30 000 60 000 a smooth slope upon stretching of the material.
4 36 000 40 000 70 000 9.1.1.2 The rubber thickness at any irregularity conforms to
A
Except for Class O equipment, the maximum use voltage is based on the the thickness requirements.
following formula:
Maximum use voltage (maximum nominal design voltage) 0.95 ac proof-test 9.1.1.3 Foreign material remains in place when the matting
voltage − 2000 is bent and stretches equally with the material surrounding it.

2
 D 178 – 01e1
TABLE 2 Electrical Test Requirements
AC DCA
Proof Test Proof Test Dielectric Test
Class Electrode Clearances, min B Dielectric Test Voltage Electrode Clearances, min B
Voltage Voltage Voltage
mm in. rms V rms V mm in. avg V avg V
0 76 3 5 000 6 000 76 3 20 000 35 000
1 76 3 10 000 20 000 76 3 40 000 60 000
2 127 5 20 000 30 000 152 6 50 000 70 000
3 178 7 30 000 40 000 203 8 60 000 80 000
4 178 10 40 000 50 000 305 12 70 000 90 000
A
DC proof-test, voltages were determined using negative polarity.
B
These nominal clearances are intended to avoid flashover and may be increased by no more than 2 in. (51 mm) when required by change in atmospheric conditions
from the standard of 100 kPa (1 atm) barometric pressure and average humidity conditions. These clearances may be decreased if atmospheric conditions permit.

TABLE 3 Thickness Measurements 12. Guarantee

Thickness Tolerance
Class 12.1 The manufacturer or supplier shall replace, without
mm in. mm in. charge to the purchaser, unused matting which, at any time
0 3.2 0.13 0.8 0.03 within a period of nine (9) months from date of initial delivery
1 4.8 0.19 0.8 0.03
2 6.4 0.25 0.8 0.03
of shipment to the purchaser or his designee, fail to pass the
3 9.5 0.38 1.2 0.05 tests in this specification. This guarantee will be binding on the
4 12.7 0.50 1.2 0.05 manufacturer or supplier only if the matting has been properly
stored and has not been subjected to more than an original
acceptance test and one retest.
12.2 Any acceptance test made by the purchaser, or the
10. Chemical and Physical Requirements purchaser’s designee, shall be performed within the first two
10.1 Insulating matting shall conform to the physical re- (2) months of the guarantee period unless otherwise specified.
quirements in Table 4. For Type II matting, flame or oil
NOTE 3—Proper storage means that the matting is stored without
resistance can be determined by conducting the tests in 19.2.5
distortion, and not stored directly above or in proximity to steam pipes,
or 19.2.6, respectively. radiators, or other sources of artificial heat, or exposed to direct sunlight
or sources of ozone. It is desirable that the ambient storage temperature
11. Electrical Requirements shall not exceed 35°C (95°F).
11.1 The entire length of each roll of matting when new
13. Sampling
(unused) shall withstand the 60-Hz ac proof-test voltage (rms
value) or the dc proof-test voltage (average value) specified in 13.1 Each roll of matting in a lot or shipment shall be
Table 2. The test voltage shall be applied continuously for 1 subject to inspection and test by the manufacturer including
min. electrical proof test to levels required in Table 2 of this
11.2 The matting material when tested between 50-mm specification.
(2-in.) disk electrodes with edges rounded to a radius of 6 mm 13.2 An original sample of sufficient material shall be cut
(0.25 in.), shall show a 60-Hz dielectric strength of not less from the end of a roll or rolls selected from the lot for the test
than the requirements shown in Table 2 for the thickness of requirements of Section 10, 11.2, and 11.3. A lot is defined as
each individual specimen. that quantity of material produced by a common manufacturing
11.3 The Type IIA matting material shall show no visible process during a consecutive time period not to exceed 24 h. If
effects from ozone when tested in accordance with 18.6.1, or failure occurs in the first sample, a second sample of the same
18.6.2. In case of dispute, Method A of the ozone resistance test quantity shall be selected and tested.
shall be the referee test.
14. Rejection
14.1 Individual rolls shall be rejected if they fail to meet the
TABLE 4 Physical Requirements manufacturing and marking requirements of Section 7, the
Type I Type II electrical requirements of 11.1, the width requirements of 8.1,
Tensile strength, min, MPa (psi) 4.83 (700) 4.83 (700) the minimum thickness requirements of 8.2, or the workman-
Tension set, max, at 150 % elongation, 12.7 (0.50) 12.7 (0.50)
51-mm (2-in.) bench mark, mm (in.)
ship requirements of Section 9.
Elongation, min, % 250 250 14.2 The entire lot or shipment of matting shall be rejected
Moisture absorption, max in-crease A, 11⁄2 3 under any of the following conditions:
%
Flame resistance, Type IIB not applicable 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) 14.2.1 If 5 % or more, but not less than two rolls of the
after 30 s matting, in a shipment fail to meet the requirements of 11.1.
Oil resistance, max, volume increase, not applicable 4
Type IIC B 14.2.2 If two dielectric breakdowns that do not meet the
A
Distilled water—23°C (75°F). dielectric strength value specified in 11.2 occur in five tests on
B
ASTM Oil No. 2 room temperature for 24 h. the specimen.

3
 D 178 – 01e1
14.2.3 If one dielectric breakdown of five tests on the
original and one or more dielectric breakdowns of five tests on
an additional specimen fail to meet the dielectric strength value
specified in 11.2.
14.2.4 If the sample specimens of Type IIA matting, using
the sampling methods and criteria specified in 18.6.1 or 18.6.2,
fail to meet the ozone resistance requirements of 11.3.
14.2.5 If the sample specimens of Type IIB matting using
the sampling methods and criteria specified in 19.2.5, fail to
meet the flame-resistant requirements of 10.1.
14.2.6 If the sample specimens of Type IIC matting using
the sampling methods and criteria specified in 19.2.6 fail to
meet the oil resistance requirements of 10.1.
14.3 The testing shall be terminated and the manufacturer or
supplier notified if, during the course of testing, 5 % or more,
but not less than two rolls, of the matting in a lot or shipment,
fail to meet the requirements of 11.1, 11.2, or 11.3 as
determined by the rejection criteria of 14.1, 14.2, 14.2.1,
14.2.2, 14.2.3, 14.2.4, 14.2.5, or 14.2.6. The manufacturer or
supplier may in such a case require the purchaser to submit
proof that the test procedure and equipment conform to the
appropriate paragraphs of Section 18. When such proof has
been furnished, the manufacturer or supplier may request that
his representative witness the testing of additional rolls from
the shipment.
14.4 The entire lot or shipment of matting may be rejected
at the option of the purchaser if two of the five specimens
tested fail any of the separate requirements outlined in Section
10.
14.5 The entire lot or shipment of matting may be rejected
at the option of the purchaser if 25 % of the matting in the lot
or shipment fail to meet the requirements of Section 8 or 9.
14.6 All rejected material shall be returned unaltered except
as required for sampling, as directed by the manufacturer at his
or the supplier’s request. However, those mats punctured when
tested in accordance with 11.1 or 11.2 shall be stamped,
punched, or cut prior to being returned to the supplier to
indicate that they are unfit for electrical use.
15. Packaging
15.1 Matting shall be packaged either flat or in rolls and
shall not be distorted mechanically.
16. Thickness Measurements
16.1 Thickness measurements should be made on complete
matting samples with a caliper graduated to within 0.03 mm
(0.001 in.). At least five thickness measurements shall be made
at selected points uniformly distributed over the test area of the
matting.
TEST METHODS
17. Sequence of Testing
17.1 The following order of procedure is suggested for
testing rubber insulating matting.
17.1.1 Inspection of the surfaces in accordance with Section
9.
17.1.2 The dimensions in accordance with Sections 8 and
16.
4
17.1.3 Electrical proof test in accordance with the appropri-
ate paragraphs of Section 18.
17.1.4 Breakdown voltage test in accordance with the ap-
propriate paragraphs of Section 18.
17.1.5 Ozone resistance tests in accordance with the appro-
priate paragraphs of Section 18.
17.1.6 Chemical and physical property tests in accordance
with Section 19.
18. Electrical Tests
18.1 Conditioning—Prior to testing, the matting shall be
made in a flat position.
NOTE 4—Both ac and dc proof-test methods are included in this section.
It is intended that one method be selected for the electrical acceptance
tests. The method selected shall be at the option of the purchaser, and the
supplier should be so notified of the selection.
18.2 Warning: It is recommended that the test apparatus be
designed to afford the operator full protection in the perfor-
mance of his duties. Reliable means of de-energizing and
grounding the high-voltage circuit should be provided. It is
particularly important to incorporate a positive means of
grounding the high-voltage section of dc test apparatus due to
the likely presence of high-voltage capacitance charges at the
conclusion of the test.
18.3 AC Proof Test:
18.3.1 Electrodes—Where electrodes are to be employed as
part of the test apparatus, they shall be of such design so as to
apply the electrical stress uniformly over the test area without
producing corona at any point, or mechanical strain in the
material. The electrodes used in proof tests shall be of such
dimensions that the flashover clearances specified in Table 2
are not exceeded. A satisfactory procedure for ac proof testing
utilizes electrodes that will provide intimate contact without
undue pressure.
NOTE 5—Rectangular metal sheets approximately 3 mm (0.06 in.)
thick, having smoothly rounded edges and corners, have been found to be
satisfactory for this purpose. Also satisfactory are wet felt or sponge-top
electrodes.
18.3.2 Voltage Supply and Regulation:
18.3.2.1 The test equipment used in both the proof-test
voltage and dielectric breakdown voltage tests shall be capable
of supplying an essentially stepless and continuously variable
voltage to the test specimen. Motor-driven regulating equip-
ment is convenient and tends to provide uniform rate-of-rise to
the test voltage. The test apparatus should be protected by an
automatic circuit-breaking device designed to open promptly
on the current produced by breakdown of a specimen under
test. This circuit breaking device should be designed to protect
the test equipment under any conditions of short circuit.
18.3.2.2 The desired test voltage may be obtained most
readily from a step-up transformer energized from a variable
low-voltage source. The transformer and its control equipment
shall be of such size and design that, with the test specimen in
the circuit, the crest factor (ratio of maximum to mean
effective) of the test voltage shall differ by not more than 5 %
from that of a sinusoidal wave over the upper half of the range
of test voltage.
 D 178 – 01e1
18.3.2.3 The accuracy of the voltage-measuring circuit shall
be within 6 2 % of full scale. The correct rms value of the
actual sinusoidal voltage wave-form applied to the matting
may be measured by one of the following methods: (1) a
voltmeter used in conjunction with a calibrated instrument
transformer connected directly across the high-voltage circuit,
(2) a calibrated electrostatic voltmeter connected directly
across the high-voltage circuit, or (3) an ac meter connected in
series with appropriate high-voltage type resistors directly
across the high-voltage circuit.
18.3.2.4 The crest factor may be checked by the use of a
peak-reading voltmeter connected directly across the high-
voltage circuit. If an electrostatic voltmeter or an rms voltmeter
in conjunction with an instrument potential transformer is
connected across the high-voltage circuit, a standard sphere
gap may be sparked over and the corresponding voltage
compared with the reading of the rms voltmeter.
18.3.3 Test—The proof-test voltage shall be initially applied
at a low value and then gradually increased at a constant
rate-of-rise of approximately 1000 V/s ac until the prescribed
test voltage level is reached, or failure occurs. The test period
starts at the instant that the prescribed testing voltage is
reached. Reduce the applied voltage to at least half value,
unless an electrical puncture has already occurred, at the end of
the test period before opening the test circuit.
18.4 DC Proof Test:
18.4.1 Electrodes—The dc proof-test may be made with dry
electrodes that consist of two flat metallic plates, at least one of
which is sized so that the flashover distances recommended in
Table 2 are not exceeded. The edges of these plates should be
rounded so as to eliminate sharp nicks and protuberances.
18.4.2 Voltage Supply and Regulation:
18.4.2.1 The dc proof-test voltage shall be obtained from a
dc source capable of supplying the required voltage. The
peak-to-peak ac ripple component of the dc proof-test voltage
shall not exceed 2 % of the average voltage value under
no-load conditions.
18.4.2.2 The dc proof-test voltage shall be measured by a
method that provides the average value of the voltage applied
to the matting. It is recommended that the voltage be measured
by the use of a dc meter connected in series with appropriate
high-voltage type resistors across the high-voltage circuit. An
electrostatic voltmeter of proper range may be used in place of
the dc meter-resistor combination. The accuracy of the voltage
measuring circuit shall be within 62 % of full scale.
18.4.3 Procedure—The procedure shall be the same as the
ac proof test, except that the rate-of-rise shall be approximately
3000 V/s dc.
18.5 Dielectric Breakdown Test—The dielectric breakdown
test shall be performed in accordance with Test Method D 149.
The voltage should be applied at the rate of 3000 V/s under the
short-time procedure. The specimen shall be representative of
the matting material to be tested. Sufficient material shall be
available to permit making five tests.
18.6 Ozone Resistance Test—The ozone resistance test shall
be made in accordance with one of the following methods to
ensure conformance of Type IIA matting with the requirements
of 11.3:
5
18.6.1 Method A—The ozone resistance test shall be made
in accordance with Procedure A of Test Method D 518. Cut the
specimen to a 10 by 100-mm (0.5 by 4-in.) rectangular size. A
temperature of 40°C (104°F) shall be maintained. Procedure A
shall be followed using a 20 % extension. The ozone concen-
tration shall be maintained at 500 6 50 mm3/m3(50 6 5 pphm)
by volume for a 3-h test period. Type II matting shall show no
effect from ozone exposure during this test period.
18.6.2 Method B—The ozone resistance test shall be made
on a 100 by 150-mm (4 by 6-in.) specimen of the matting
material prepared from a sample suitably conditioned by lying
flat for 24 h. The specimen should be draped over a 25-mm
(1-in.) diameter metal tube of sufficient length to completely
underlie the specimen, while possessing additional length for
the required mounting support. The metal tubing is electrically
grounded. The free ends of the specimen shall be clamped
beneath the tubing electrode so that an intimate contact is
established between the specimen and the tubing along the
upper half of the cylindrically-shaped electrode surface. A
piece of flat aluminum sheet foil, approximately 50 by 100 mm
(2 by 4 in.), shall be placed over the draped specimen so as to
provide adequate separation distance to prevent flashover
between the foil and the metal tubing. An electrode wire shall
be connected to the aluminum foil.
18.6.2.1 The outer electrode (metal foil) shall be energized
to approximately 15 kV ac (rms) from a stable 60-Hz source.
The 15 kV potential may be derived from a suitably rated
potential transformer energized from its low-voltage winding
through a continuously variable autotransformer. An overcur-
rent protective device should be incorporated into the low-
voltage control circuit in case of an electrical breakdown.
18.6.2.2 The ozone resistance of the specimen should be
determined qualitatively, by inspection, after a 1-h exposure
period in the test apparatus at the 15 kV potential. Any visible
signs of ozone deterioration of the matting material such as
checking, cracking, breaks, pitting, etc., shall be considered as
evidence of failure to meet the requirements of Type IIA
matting. At least two specimens from each sample of matting
selected in accordance with 12.2 shall be tested. Two speci-
mens should not be taken from the same section of the sample
matting.
NOTE 6—The rate of ozone degradation by use of Method B is
inversely proportional to the relative humidity of the surrounding air.
Empirical data indicate, however, that visible ozone effects will be evident
over a broad range of ambient humidities under these test conditions.
19. Chemical and Physical Tests
19.1 Chemical Tests—The composition of the rubber hydro-
carbon portion of Type I matting may be determined using the
test methods in Test Methods D 297, or the manufacturer’s
formulation processes may be certified by appropriate person-
nel.
19.2 Physical Tests:
19.2.1 Physical tests should be performed to determine the
physical requirements specified in Section 8. The matting
samples should be conditioned by storing in a flat position for
24 h at room temperature.
19.2.2 The tensile strength, elongation, and tension set tests
shall be performed in accordance with Test Methods D 412.
 D 178 – 01e1
The tensile strength and elongation specimens shall conform in
dimensions to Die C. The tensile set specimens shall conform
to Die B. The elongation in the tensile set shall be as specified
in Table 4.
19.2.3 The moisture absorption tests shall be performed in
accordance with Test Method D 570, using the 24-h immersion
procedure at a temperature of 23°C (75°F).
19.2.4 The accelerated aging tests shall be performed in
accordance with Test Method D 573. After being subjected to
a temperature of 70 6 1°C (158 6 2°F) in circulating air for 7
days, the tensile strength of the specimen shall not be less than
50 % of the original.
19.2.5 The flame resistance tests called for in Type IIB shall
be performed in accordance with Test Method D 1692, with the
maximum limits conforming to the requirements of classifica-
tion SE (Self-Extinguishing).
19.2.6 The oil resistance tests called for in Type IIC shall be
performed in accordance with Test Method D 471.
20. Precision and Bias
20.1 No statement is made about either the precision or the
bias of the test methods in this standard for measuring the
dielectric strength since the results merely state whether there
is conformance to the criteria for success specified in the
procedure.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TEST METHOD FOR RATE, EXTENT, OR TIME, OR A COMBINATION THEREOF, OF BURNING OF CELLULAR
PLASTICS USING A SPECIMEN SUPPORTED BY A HORIZONTAL SCREEN

X1.1 Scope D 2406 Methods of Testing Flexible Cellular Materials

X1.1.1 This test method covers a small-scale horizontal
laboratory screening procedure for measuring the rate, extent,
or time, or a combination thereof, of burning of rigid or flexible
cellular plastics in accordance with this test procedure.
X1.1.2 Materials that exhibit pronounced shrinking, curling,
or melting away upon heating cannot be evaluated by this test
method.
X1.1.3 This test method is not applicable to materials that
cannot be ignited under the conditions of this test, or to
materials that exhibit progressive combustion without flame
(continued glowing or charring).
NOTE X1.1—The rate of burning or extent of burning of rigid cellular
plastics also may be determined by Test Method D 3014 where the
specimen is supported vertically.
NOTE X1.2—Caution: During the course of combustion, gases or
vapors, are evolved that may be hazardous to personnel. Adequate
precautions should be taken to protect the operator.
X1.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
X1.2 Referenced Documents
X1.2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1564 Testing Flexible Cellular Materials—Slab Urethane
Insulating Oils7
D 1565 Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials—
Vinyl Chloride Polymers and Copolymers (Open-Cell
Foam)8
Molded Urethane Foam9
D 3014 Test Method for Flame Height, Time of Burning,
and Loss of Mass of Rigid Thermoset Cellular Plastics in
a Vertical Position10
X1.3 Significance and Use
X1.3.1 Tests made on a cellular plastic under conditions
herein prescribed can be of considerable value in comparing
the rate of burning and/or extent and time of burning of
different materials, in controlling manufacturing processes, or
as a measure of deterioration or change in burning character-
istics prior to or during use.
X1.3.2 This test method is not intended to be a criterion for
fire hazard. The fire hazard created by materials depends upon
the form and end use of the material. Assessment of fire hazard
includes, but is not limited to, many factors, such as, ease of
ignition, burning rate, flame spread, fuel contribution, intensity
of burning, and products of combustion.
X1.4 Apparatus
X1.4.1 Test Chamber—Any enclosure is satisfactory that is
large enough to provide quiet, draft-free air surrounding the
specimen during the test, yet will permit normal thermal
circulation of air past the specimen during burning. A hood is
recommended in order to remove the sometimes noxious
products of combustion. If a test chamber is used. It should be
of such a design that it can be used in a hood. For referee
purposes, test results with the chamber should be the same
whether or not the hood exhaust is on. In cases of discrepancy,
values obtained with the damper closed or the hood fan off, or
both, will be considered valid.

7 9
Discontinued 1979; Replaced by D 3574. Discontinued 1980; Replaced by D 3574.
8 10
Discontinued 1998; See Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.

6
 D 178 – 01e1
X1.4.1.1 The recommended test chamber should be con-
structed of sheet metal or other fire-resistant material, having
inside dimensions 300 mm wide, 600 mm long, and 760 mm
high, open at the top, with a ventilating opening approximately
25 mm high around the bottom. A viewing window of
heat-resistant glass should be of sufficient size and in such a
position that the entire length of the specimen under test may
be observed. The chamber should be opened readily and closed
to facilitate mounting and ignition of the test specimen.
X1.4.2 Burner—A standard 9.5 6 0.5-mm outside diameter
barrel bunsen or Tirrill burner fitted with a 48 6 1-mm width
wing top.
NOTE X1.3—The wing top may have to be opened to approximately 3
6 0.1 mm to provide the flame required in X1.6.4.
X1.4.3 Fuel Supply—Propane gas of at least 85 % purity.
X1.4.4 Specimen Support—Wire cloth (wire screen)11
6.5-mm mesh using 0.8-mm diameter steel wire. The wire
cloth specimen support 75 by 215 mm shall have a 15 6 1 mm
of length bent to form a right angle. This will form the
specimen support as shown in Fig. X1.1 and Fig. X1.2.
X1.4.5 Specimen Support Holders—Any holding device
that will clamp the wire cloth specimen support horizontally so
that the bottom of the bent-up portion is 13 6 1-mm above the
FIG. X1.2 Relative Position of Burner Wing Top, Flame,
top of the burner wing top, as shown in Fig. X1.1. A typical Specimen, and Specimen Support
arrangement consists of two laboratory ring stands with two
adjustable flat-surface clamps, which may be locked in place
by set screw and lock nut. See Fig. X1.2 and Fig. X1.3. X1.5 Test Specimen
X1.4.6 Sheet of Asbestos Board, 250 by 250 by 6.5 mm shall
be placed on the bottom of the test chamber. X1.5.1 Five specimens 50 6 0.25 mm wide by 1506 1 mm
X1.4.7 Aluminum Foil. long are needed.
X1.4.8 Timing Device, accurate to 6 1 s. X1.5.1.1 Specimens shall be cut from representative mate-
X1.4.9 Measuring Scale, graduated in at least 2.0-mm rial. Materials supplied in thicknesses over 13 mm shall be cut
intervals. to 13 mm thickness. Materials formed in thicknesses of 13 mm
X1.4.10 A device to ensure correct relative positioning of or less shall be tested at the thickness supplied.
burner and specimen. X1.5.1.2 Materials with directional effects such as skin or
inserts shall be oriented so as to provide the most adverse
results.
X1.5.1.3 Sheet samples shall be cut from a thickness of
sheet normally supplied or molded to a desired thickness.
11
Stainless-steel wire cloth can be obtained from Cleveland Wire Cloth and Mfg. X1.5.1.4 Molded expanded or sponge materials not con-
Co., 3573 E. 78th Street, Cleveland, OH 44105. forming to the width requirements in X1.4.1 shall be tested as
agreed upon between manufacturer and purchaser.
X1.5.1.5 Each test specimen shall be marked across its
width by one line 125 mm from one end.

X1.6 Conditioning
X1.6.1 Specimens shall be conditioned prior to test for a
minimum of 24 h in an atmosphere having a temperature of 23
6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 5 %. Tests shall be
made in this atmosphere or immediately after removal there-
from.

X1.7 Procedure
X1.7.1 Determine the density according to the proper test
method for the type of material being evaluated. The test can be
made in accordance with Test Methods D 1564, D 1565,
FIG. X1.1 Relative Position of Burner Wing Top, Specimen, and D 2406, or a test method agreed upon between the purchaser
Specimen Support and the seller.

7
 D 178 – 01e1
FIG. X1.3 Apparatus for Support of Specimen
X1.7.2 Clamp the wire cloth specimen support horizontally
so that the bottom of the wire cloth is 13 6 1 mm above the top
of the burner wing top as shown in Fig. X1.1. Cover the sheet
of asbestos board with a layer of aluminum foil and place it on
the bottom of the test chamber to catch any dripping or flaming
particles. The distance between the wire cloth and the foil shall
be between 150 to 200 mm. Change the foil after each test, if
there is any debris on the surface from the previous determi-
nation. Burn off any material remaining on the wire cloth from
the previous tests, or use a new wire cloth for each test. If a
new wire cloth is not used for each test, the wire cloth should
be cool to the touch before being used. If dripping or melting
material fall into the wing top clean it before testing the next
specimen.
X1.7.3 Place the specimen on the support with one end
touching the 15 mm bent-up portion of the support. The end of
the specimen nearest the gage mark should be away from the
bent-up end of the specimen support, so that the gage mark is
125 mm away from the bent-up end. See Fig. X1.1.
X1.7.4 Adjust the burner with the wing top to provide a blue
flame whose visible portion is 38 6 2 mm high with a clearly
defined inner cone 6.5 6 1.0 mm high. Place the burner under
the upturned end of the specimen support so that one edge of
the flame is in line with the upturned end of the wire cloth and
the other edge of the flame extends into the front end of the
specimen. See Fig. X1.2.
X1.7.5 Start the timing device when the flame is first
applied to the specimen. After 60 s, remove the burner at least
150 mm away from the test specimen. Record the time in
8
seconds when the flame front reaches the gage mark; if this
does not occur, record the time in seconds for the flame to go
out. If the flame goes out before reaching the gage mark, the
extent of burning is equal to 125 mm minus the distance from
the gage mark to the nearest evidence of the flame front, such
as charring, along the upper surface of the specimen measured
to the nearest 2 mm. Note burning characteristics, such as
intumescence, melting, dripping, or smothering. Also record if
the dripping on the foil burns. In some cases, the burning may
cease in the first 60 s. This is evident by the disappearance of
the yellow or characteristic flame.
X1.8 Calculation
X1.8.1 If the flame front passes the gage mark in any one of
the five specimens, the sample shall be judged as burning. The
burning rate is calculated by the following equation:
A 5 B/C (X1.1)
where:
A = burning rate, mm/s,
B = distance to gage mark 125 mm, and
C = time for flame to reach gage mark, s.
If only one specimen burns past the gage mark, its burning
rate shall be reported, otherwise the average of the specimens
that burn past the gage mark shall be reported.
X1.8.2 If the flame front does not reach the gage mark for
all five specimens, average the burning time in seconds and
average the distance burned in millimetres as measured on the
top surface.
 D 178 – 01e1
X1.9 Report X1.9.4 A description of burning characteristics, such as
X1.9.1 The report shall include the following information: melting, dripping, or intumescence and whether the dripping or
X1.9.1.1 A description of the material including the density, melting materials continued to burn on the aluminum foil.
the width and thickness, and any prior treatment or condition- X1.9.5 The caveat contained in X1.1.4 herein shall be
ing and the presence or absence of skin. If the specimen had incorporated in its entirety in the test report issued.
skins, the report shall include whether the skin surface was up
or down. X1.10 Precision and Bias
X1.9.2 Sample that burned to the gage mark, the burning X1.10.1 Interlaboratory round-robin testing12 has estab-
rate in millimetres/second. lished the precision for each part of the test as follows:
X1.9.3 For samples that did not burn to the gage mark, X1.10.2 Reproducibility—The standard deviation for inter-
report the average time of burning and the average extent of laboratory reproducibility is:
burning. For burning rates 60.08 mm/s
For ATB 68.5 s
Example: For AEB 69.9 mm
ATBXXa AEBXXmes
where:
ATB = average time of burning, and 12
Supporting data giving results of cooperative tests have been filed at ASTM
AEB = average extent of burning. Headquarters. Request RR-D20-1036.

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